Grand Rapids Press File PhotoCharles Nelson Glover, right, a Forest Hills teacher who groped a male cop during a park sex sting, stands next to his attorney David Dodge just before he waives his preliminary hearing at the Kent County District Court.

The Kent County Sheriff's Department was conducting an undercover operation there because of a reported problem with illegal sexual activity between men. The park is listed on Internet sites as a meeting spot for gay.

If he had agreed to plead guilty to the charge, he would be sentenced to between zero and three months in jail and could withdraw his plea if Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock went outside those guidelines, according to defense attorney David Dodge.

However, Glover rejected the plea offer meaning the case will go to trial, likely to be set after the new year.

An undercover officer was in the park when Glover engaged the officer in a conversation and then an unspecified illegal act occurred, according to police.

Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involves touching.

Forest Hills Superintendent Dan Behm placed Glover on paid administrative leave while the district awaits the outcome of the court proceedings.

Glover was hired by the district since 2004, when Forrest Hills Eastern High School was opened.